NHL Player News

Benak notched three assists in OHL Brantford's 5-4 win over Brampton on Wednesday.

Benak had two goals and five assists over his previous seven games. That's decent production overall, but the Czech forward has played to a higher standard this season. He has 23 goals, 40 assists, 101 shots on net and a plus-14 rating over 38 appearances. The Wild prospect is looking like a strong playmaking forward, though he's undersized and will likely move from center to wing as a professional.

Jiricek scored twice and added an assist in OHL Brantford's 5-4 win over Brampton on Wednesday.

Jiricek ended a 17-game goal drought with this effort. He accumulated 12 helpers in that span. The Blues prospect has 15 goals, 48 points and a plus-22 rating through 46 appearances while playing a leading role on the blue line of one of the OHL's top teams.

Hopkins scored twice in OHL Guelph's 5-4 loss to Kitchener on Wednesday.

Hopkins has scored seven goals over his last three games and has a total of 11 points during a six-game streak. The Maple Leafs prospect is up to 23 goals and 47 points over 52 outings between Guelph and Kingston this season. He's four points shy of matching his total from 67 regular-season appearances in 2024-25.

Kuzmenko (upper body) is in the lineup for Wednesday's game versus the Golden Knights, Zach Dooley of the Kings' official site reports.

Kuzmenko was hurt in the last game before the Olympic break, but the injury wasn't serious enough to cost him more time. He'll play on the third line with Alex Turcotte and Warren Foegele.

Lindgren (undisclosed) won't return to Wednesday's game versus the Stars, Alison Lukan of the Kraken Hockey Network reports.

Lindgren delivered a heavy hit on Colin Blackwell in the first period, but it was the Seattle defenseman who came away worse for wear. The 28-year-old Lindgren can be considered day-to-day for now. If he can't play Thursday versus the Blues, look for Josh Mahura or Cale Fleury to draw into the lineup.

McBain (illness) is expected to be in the lineup Wednesday versus the Avalanche.

McBain missed Tuesday's practice session, but he looks to be feeling well enough to play a day later. He's listed on the second line as a winger alongside Logan Cooley and Dylan Guenther. McBain has 19 points in 57 appearances this season.

MacKinnon (not injury related) won't play Wednesday versus the Mammoth, Corey Masisak of The Denver Post reports.

MacKinnon will get a little extra rest following the Olympics, where he helped Canada to the silver medal, for maintenance purposes. The 30-year-old's status for Thursday at home versus the Wild has not yet been announced.

Carcone (illness) won't play Wednesday versus the Avalanche.

Carcone will miss at least one game coming out of the Olympic break. He put up four points over seven contests prior to the break. The 29-year-old forward will try to be healthy for Friday's game versus the Wild.

Schwartz (lower body) is set to be in the lineup versus the Stars on Wednesday, per the NHL media site.

Schwartz missed the Kraken's last game before the Olympic break, but it appears the time off will allow him to avoid a longer absence. Tye Kartye is coming out of the lineup, with Schwartz set to play.

Daccord will protect the road goal versus the Stars on Wednesday, per the NHL media site.

Daccord is set to get the first half of a back-to-back, setting up Philipp Grubauer to start on the road in St. Louis on Thursday. Daccord has gone 6-3-0 over nine games since the start of January, though his 2.90 GAA and .902 save percentage don't inspire a lot of confidence against a tough, albeit depleted, Dallas roster.